Traditional Martial Arts
Traditional martial arts are fighting arts that originated mostly in Asia. They adhere to very specific and traditional training methods and techniques. Most of...
Martial Arts Definitions S
Sabom:
“Teacher” or “instructor.”
Sai:
A pronged truncheon about fifteen to twenty inches long, used as a defensive instrument against various weapons such as the sword. It...
Martial Arts Definitions M
Ma ai:
The distance between two opponents.
Mae:
“Front” or “forward.”
Mae-geri:
Front kick
Mairi:
Tapping with the hand to signify submission.
Makeru:
To lose or be defeated.
Makiwara:
A karate training post designed for...
Martial Arts Definitions O
O:
“Big” or “great.”
Obi:
Belt.
Obi-otoshi
Belt drop
Odachi::
See “tachi.”
O-goshi:
Major hip, hip technique
O-guruma:
Major wheel. Judo foot technique.
Oi-zuki
Step punch.
Okuri-ashi-harai:
sending foot sweep, Judo foot technique.
Omote:
“Front” or “obvious.”
Oni ken:
Extended knuckle fist.
Orei:
“Respect” or...
What “Fighting!” Means to Koreans
Korean winters are incredibly cold. The summers are hot and wet, and walking outside can feel like walking into a warm bath. That's not...
Why is Jujutsu Spelled So Many Different Ways
Arguably, Jujutsu is the most frequently misspelled word in the martial arts. The words used, vary from “Ju” to “Jiu” or “Jiuy,” and the...
The Meaning of Soke
Soke (Sōke) pronounced (so - ke), is a Japanese term that means "the head family (house)."
In the realm of Japanese traditional arts, it is...
Martial Arts Definitions Z
Zanshin:
A state of mind which is cultivated by the martial artist of complete awareness and alertness, anticipation of success in combat.
Zazen:
“Sitting meditation.” The meditative...
Martial Arts Definitions L
Lakan:
The male black belt rank in the Filipino art of arnis.
Lathi:
“Staff.” An Indian fighting art centered around a cane or bamboo staff about five...
Martial Arts Definitions R
Randori:
Free sparring.
Rei:
(Ray) “Soul or Spirit” A bow that begins in the tan tien (seat of the soul located in the abdoinal area). The term...
Martial Arts Definitions F
Fari Gatka:
An Indian form of fencing centered around shields (fari) and swords (gatka). The gatka is a three foot, leather-covered stick. The fari, nine...
Martial Arts Definitions U
Uchi:
Strike.
Uchi deshi:
“Apprentice.” An old Japanese practice where a student was apprenticed to a martial arts master in order to become an instructor in turn.
Uchi-mata:
Inner...
Martial Arts Definitions P
Pachigi:
A Korean martial art in which the head is used to butt an opponent.
Pai shih:
A ceremony for a kung fu novice denoting his acceptance...
Korean Vocabulary
If you have studied Tang Soo Do or another Korean martial art you have probably
heard these Korean vocabulary words and terms used in your...
Fighting
I started reading a martial arts book the other day titled Pressure Point Fighting, by Rick Clark. After reading the introduction, and then the...
Martial Arts Definitions H
Hachimaki:
“Head wrapping.” A light cotton towel, also known as a tengui, wrapped around the forehead to restrict perspiration from running into the eyes and...